Minister tells students to foster peace

NORTHERN PROVINCE BURERA — At least 550 Senior Six school leavers who are yet to join public universities and other private institutions have completed a three-week solidarity training locally known as Ingando. The students were passed out at the weekend at the Peace and Leadership Centre-Nkumba in Burera district. Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Information, who presided over the pass out ceremony, said that the orientation through Ingando is a reminder that through cooperation and unity, Rwandans can be assured of progress. She challenged students to act as ambassadors of peace and unity among the Rwandan youth in the country and beyond by disseminating the lessons they learnt to their teachers, parents and neighbours. ‘’You should move with new thinking by having a mindset which analyses all situations. But this requires high level of discipline and patriotism,’’ said the minister. Citing her personal life experience, Mushikiwabo said that Rwandan youths should be proud of their country because of political and economic progress registered and the fact that Rwanda has achieved credibility. I would like you all to be winners,’’ she said. Through their representative, the enthusiastic students highlighted a number of their commitments; including exhibiting integrity, fighting divisions, genocide and its ideology, promote unity among the youth, and being flag bearers of positive change. At the function, Fatuma Ndangiza, the Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), asked the students to observe discipline if they are to achieve their goals. Aime Bosenibamwe, the district Mayor, cautioned the students (banakosi, as they are commonly called at the camp), to use their knowledge in pioneering constructive ideas which will influence positive change. Meanwhile, another phase of over 800 students were officially received at the camp to undergo a similar training. This latest group to pass out was the fifth batch to undergo the solidarity training this year. Ends